It has been a crazy busy week. I think I could actually say that every week these days. But with the addition of my parents and sister here, a trip to Atlanta, a trip to Charlotte, Princess homecoming game and dance and preparing for History Buff’s arrival this past weekend, it was busier than usual. Oh, and did I mention I picked up a couple of extra work one-time projects.

But even with all that, I think I did good with money. What do you think?

Actual Spending - Week of 9/14

Description

Anticipated

Actual

Income *after taxes

$378

$730

Gas

($70)

($90)

Volleyball - entrance fees

($10)

$0

Storm Preparedness

($50)

($77)

Dining Out

($50)

Homecoming Football

($11)

Amazon

($29)

Credit Card Cash Rewards

$13

Total

$248

$515

Notes on Spending

Gas – My gas was high. I had doubled my typical budgeted amount knowing that I was driving to Atlanta to pick up my mom and sister from the airport and then a couple of days letter driving my sister to Charlotte to spend time with her friend. But it wasn’t enough. But it was a good reminder of how much I am appreciating my new regular budget…1 tank of gas per week rather than 2 or 3 when Gymnast was going to gym 4-5 times a week.

Eating Out – we’ve been doing really well with not eating out. But Friday night Princess and I were at loose ends and we called my grandmother and mom to see if they wanted to eat out with us. We tried a new Mexican restaurant and had a great time. It was a real treat for all of us.

Homecoming Money – Princess paid for her football game and homecoming dance tickets, but I did give Gymnast money to get into the high school homecoming game. This was his first, and probably last high school game of the season, since he typically has gymnastics on Fridays. (I let him skip this week to have this experience.)

Amazon – Our restock of toilet paper came this week and it’s charged to my Amazon account. As soon as it was received, I paid it off again. I’ve had that account paid of for almost a year now. *pats self on back

Credit Card Rewards – I was so excited about my cash back rewards last week I had to cash these in this week. It’s fun to watch my savings account, even if it’s just a little at a time. (And I got a $10 affiliate check from Self Lender, I put it in this new savings account too.)

He is “playing” football, but he’s not actually playing. He’s mostly practicing and learning the game. But it worked out that they only practice 3 days a week and have a game 1 day a week, on the 5th day he is continuing with gymnastics…for now. The football season ends next week, I think. He and I will sit down and talk then about what he wants to do next. He’s mentioned trying wrestling. Just kind of following his lead. His heart doesn’t seem to be in gymnastics anymore, but neither he or I are ready to make that a permanent decision yet.

I applaud your keeping track of your income and outgo but fail to understand why you aren’t showing the weekly cost of rent, utilities, and other non-weekly bills since your income has to cover them too.

All in all, it’s fantastic that you have double the surplus you expected. However, I’m curious about the details of some of your items. What items too you over your storm preparedness budget, which was already rather generous? You had said you guys had a full pantry and only needed batteries and water (and I shared an idea for nearly-free drinking water and ice on your post).

I applaud your transparency! It has a way of keeping us accountable when we put ourselves out there. It seems you are doing quite well based on what really matters in life. This is the first post of yours I have read and it’s quite clear your family is most important to you and you will do what it takes to make ends meet. Keep up the great work!